1010 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
You're right around the 50th percentile with a 1010 SAT, and that still lines up with more than 1,300 colleges. Texas State and Georgia State are familiar names where this score is a realistic match. That's a workable starting point, with plenty of solid options already on the table.
How 1010 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 41st - higher than about 41% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 1050 - the typical national score.
- ACT equivalent: ~19 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,324 schools (535 target, 418 reach, 371 safety).
Is a 1010 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1010 SAT (about a 19 ACT) is a solid starting score for a lot of well-known public universities. San Jose State University's middle 50% runs 1010-1240, and West Virginia University's is 1010-1220, so you line up with the low end at both.
Cal State Fullerton (1000-1180) and the University of North Texas (980-1230) are also realistic targets. You're a bit under the national average of 1050, but this score is still above the usual band at places like Texas Southern.
Colleges also look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just this number. If you want more selective publics, a retake can help. You already have 500-plus colleges where a 1010 is a realistic match.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1010 SAT
Your 1010 SAT overlaps the usual range at San Francisco State (930-1130), Towson (950-1235), and Cal State Sacramento (930-1130). Those look like good fits. You also have likely backups such as Alabama State and Bethune-Cookman, where this score is clearly above the typical band. Harder schools still appear in the mix, so the tables break them out.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Grand Valley State (940-1190) and Clark Atlanta (880-1120) both enroll plenty of students around a 1010. You're in range, so these are realistic targets.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Purdue (1200-1480) and Texas A&M (1150-1400) usually look for SAT scores well above 1010. You can still apply, but those are tougher to get into.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
A 1010 is well above the middle 50% at Savannah State (845-980) and Albany State (740-900). There are hundreds of backups in this range, so you have room to aim higher too.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1010 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
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Local Options for a 1010 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1010?
A retake is often worth it with a 1010 SAT, especially if you still have time before applications. A higher score can open more selective state universities. If you barely studied the first time, trying again is a smart move.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective state universities | Time away from grades and activities |
| Modest gains can improve your shot at targets | A small gain may not change much |
| You already know the test format | Another test date adds stress and cost |
With a few weeks of focused practice, many students gain about 50-100 SAT points. Work the sections that dragged you down, take a couple of timed practice tests, and review every miss. Official practice questions and a simple error log go a long way.
You can apply with your 1010 now, or put in a short study stretch and try again if you want more options.
1010 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1010 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 950 | 17 |
| 970 | 18 |
| 990 | 19 |
| 1010 | 19 |
| 1030 | 20 |
| 1050 | 20 |
| 1070 | 21 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1010 SAT places you in about the 41st percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 41% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1010 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1000 and 1020
- Browse the equivalent 19 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026